HERALD

Musical Theatre
The Musical Theatre Department just closed the curtain
on the Gershwin musical, Crazy for You. Performances
were held March 4-6 to the delight of three
full houses. A special thanks to all of the parents and
volunteers who made the production so successful.
As Lakeland strung its Christmas lights, the World
Choir, musical theatre seniors, and Harrison alumni
collaborated to share the season’s music with people
in the community. From the first time Mrs. Lambert
passed out music, to the final, culminating performance
at Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel, the group only had
two combined rehearsals. All other work was done individually,
or during the day in different periods. After
minimal rehearsal time, they started performing
December 1, and did 13 performances in three weeks.
In the season of togetherness, a few students from the
orchestra, jazz, theater, and even creative writing departments
got the chance to spread joy alongside more
experienced singers. And they certainly did spread joy.
One song that evoked a response from almost every
audience was Home on Christmas Day, made popular
by Kristen Chenoweth. According to Ryland Marbutt, a
musical theater junior, seeing the tearful reactions of the
audience members was the most rewarding part of the
experience. In the wise words of Buddy the Elf, “The
best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for
all to hear.” Apparently he was right.
On March 12, a majority of the musical theatre department
will gather to help Roll Out the Red Carpet for
Harrison by performing I Dream and Hallelujah featuring
alumni Quentin Darrington. In addition, 2015 graduate,
Spencer Croy is returning from the University of
Michigan to teach a master class with original choreography
from West Side Story’s “Somewhere Ballet”.
During our upcoming spring break, students from the
Musical Theatre Department, Piano Department, and
the Dance Department will be taking a trip to New York
City to visit and participate in classes at Julliard, see
Aladdin and attend a talk back session with members
of the cast, attend a dance workshop with and a performance
of Paul Taylor’s Modern Dance Company, and
finally visit the Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty.
In addition to class work, students are also getting ready
for our showcases in the spring. Please note the dates
below:
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Freshman/Sophomore Showcase - Friday, May 13
Junior Showcase - Tuesday, May 24
Senior Showcase - Friday, May 22
All showcases begin at 7 p.m. The showcases are an opportunity
for students to present individual class work
and exceptional ensemble work created throughout the
school year. Students will be auditioning their showcase
pieces as part of their jury the week of April 25.
In addition to the showcases, our Juniors are putting
the finishing touches on their script and choreography
for their partnership with the Doris Sanders Learning
Center. Every year our Juniors teach and perform with
physically and mentally challenged individuals from
the center which culminates in a performance during
Lakeland’s MayFaire on Saturday, May 7.
Orchestra
Both the Harrison Symphony and Philharmonic
Orchestras received straight “superior” ratings at
the District Music Performance Assessment at Tenoroc
High School on February 19. This was the first year that
the Harrison Orchestra Department took two groups to
MPA and we are very proud of their accomplishments!
On March 4, the Harrison Chamber Strings performed
at the American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
National Conference. ASTA is the largest professional
organization of string teachers in the country and this
convention brought leaders in the field of string teaching
and performing to Tampa – it was a great honor to
perform at this event! The Harrison Chamber Strings
performance was part of a session called “Rehearsal
Laboratory”. The orchestra performed and received
feedback from a clinician in front of a live audience.
Our clinician was one of the leading orchestra directors
and educators in the country, Dr. Mark Laycock from
Wichita State University.
The Chamber Strings with clinician Dr. Mark Laycock.